BACOLOD City — The Province of Antique has been chosen to host the 3rd Regional Rescuelympics, a major disaster preparedness and emergency response event scheduled from July 29 to 31 at the Binirayan Sports Complex and nearby areas in San Jose de Buenavista.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Broderick Train said the three-day activity will be conducted in tandem with Governor Paolo S. Javier’s Obstacle Course Racing for Emergency Preparedness.
The event will feature rescue competitions, obstacle course racing, and static displays showcasing disaster response equipment and capabilities of participating agencies.
“This will be another milestone for our Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as we host this regional celebration,” Train said.
He added that the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO) will be supported by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in organizing the Rescuelympics, particularly in event coordination and the conduct of static displays highlighting the varying capacities and preparedness levels of regional DRRM offices and uniformed agencies.
Train said the Rescuelympics aims to test the competencies and proficiencies of participants in disaster and emergency response. The obstacle course racing component, in particular, will challenge teams’ endurance, problem-solving skills, and mental and cognitive abilities through simulated emergency scenarios.
Preparatory coordination activities are already underway, including site assessments to ensure the suitability of venues. On February 5, a team from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is set to visit Antique to evaluate the proposed locations and assess the province’s readiness to host the large-scale event.
Depending on the results of the assessment, participation may be opened to other regions either as observers or competitors, Train said.
Expected participants include teams from the provinces of Antique, Negros, Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz, and Guimaras, as well as Iloilo City, various DRRM offices and councils, uniformed personnel, and the Office of Civil Defense.
The first Regional Rescuelympics was held in Negros, followed by the second edition in Pototan, Iloilo./PN
